Spirituality And Religion

Spirituality is one of the most discussed topics but at the same time, unfortunately, it is one of the most misconceived subjects of all times. Most of the times Spirituality and Religion are not understood in the right sense.

Before we understand what Spirituality is, let us look at an example that will help us make things easier to explain. Dictionaries define Science as "The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena". Physics, Chemistry are categorized as sciences because they lay down the rules and theories pertaining to a specific branch. And then there is Engineering - "The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems".

So, Science defines the rules and Engineering explains how to apply those rules in your life to make a better living. Physics proves that a fast-moving fluid has a lower pressure than slow-moving fluid and Engineering make an airplane fly based on that rule!

This is how Spirituality and Religion should be correlated too, but with one difference. Purpose of Engineering is not to prove that a scientific principle is valid. But Engineering only applies already proven principles of Science. Consider the example of an airplane as mentioned above - Bernoulli proved an aerodynamic law and then it was applied by aeronautical engineers to fly an airplane. But what if Bernoulli only stated the law and gave no proof for it? What if he said "I know that the law exists. But I cannot prove it to you. If you wish you can build an airplane based on my principle and see the results for yourself". The law is still valid but now this comes to the question of belief and faith. Those who choose to believe will succeed to fly and others will remain grounded. But you may have a craving question by now - On what basis do I believe something that is not proven? Well, by looking at someone who is flying, already. That's how.

So, that is what Spirituality does for you - it makes statements, gives answers to your questions and tries to tell you the truth but unlike Science, you cannot prove a spiritual theory to someone by writing it on a paper. Instead, you should choose to believe in it or not. There is no compulsion of any sort. If you do believe in what it offers, then it means that you choose to build the plane. You choose to do the engineering on an unproven principle and with the intention of proving it i.e. proving it to yourself alone.

But does everyone have to build the same plane? I like to build it in one way and you may like it differently. But eventually result is the same. A Religion is an engineered plane that will take you home, that will prove that spirituality was indeed telling you the truth. I may like to follow one religion and you may like some other. But then, result is the same. We both fly! I do not have to comment on your plane to make mine fly.

You may want to repeat the same question - On what basis do I believe something that is not proven? In the earlier example of Bernoulli, it was easy because it will be evident when you see others succeeding to fly. How can I say that in case of spirituality? Well, there is no visible plane for me to look at! Answer will be lengthy and needs a dedicated article.

About the Author: Please visit my website http://www.theoriesonspirituality.com OR http://theoriesonspirituality.blogspot.com/ for more articles on Spirituality. Thanks for reading.